Why do some exegetes and linguists derive the names of prophets and figures like Adam, Jacob, Idris, and Iblis from Arabic words, even though they are foreign names?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
There is no dispute regarding the exegetes' differing views on the etymology of the prophets' names; some, like al-Qattan, hold that they are non-Arabic (A'jami) and not derived, while others, like Abu al-Su'ud, believe they are derived. Some later scholars have explained this by suggesting it might be due to the convergence of Semitic languages, and among those who hold this view is Ibn Ashour.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/109866
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 109866
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy